During Debate, Holtz Attacks Evers Over Achievement Gap

Only four days before voters head to the polls to decide who should lead Wisconsin’s schools, the two candidates vying to be the state superintendent challenged each other about their solutions to the school achievement gap and other education issues in a televised debate on Friday night.

State superintendent candidate Lowell Holtz said that incumbent superintendent Tony Evers has failed to close the achievement gap in Wisconsin during the debate in Madison, which was broadcast by Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio.

Holtz focused his final argument in the state superintendent race to argue that incumbent Evers is to blame for the state’s achievement gap and hasn’t done enough to narrow it.

Holtz used his closing statement to say the state is “failing way too many kids.”

“We have to do better,” he said.

Evers said that he is an optimist and there have been improvements during his eight years leading the state Department of Public Instruction. He said many of the problems are societal and not his fault.

Evers called the achievement gap a “critical issue” for the state. He said the issue has to be solved locally without state or federal interference.

Evers said there have been significant improvements in decreasing the numbers of suspensions, increasing students going into career and technical education and helping turn around struggling schools.

Holtz said the key to closing the achievement gap is making schools safe for all students.

During the course of the debate, each candidate got a chance to ask a question to one another. Holtz asked about the achievement gap and Evers asked how his family has been doing during the campaign.

Holtz said that the attacks made against him during the race have been “extremely tough” for his wife and children to take.

Holtz said that “half truths” and “innuendos” have been “extremely tough” for his family.

“It’s unfortunate that’s what happens in politics today,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years. I’ve been a cop. I’m used to taking a hit or two. It’s really tough on the kids.”

During the debate, Holtz was asked about emailing with his wife about campaign issues while he was working as Whitnall superintendent. He said that there was nothing illegal about this.

Holtz sent numerous emails to his wife from his school account discussing the race, strategy and his platform. Holts said he would work for a couple hours, then email his wife to “chat.”

“I like talking to my wife,” he said.

Holtz said there was nothing illegal about it.

Evers said he believes it was an inappropriate use of the district’s internet server.

A liberal group has asked two district attorneys to investigate.

Holtz also said he has no interest in taking over the five largest Wisconsin school districts even though a former candidate said he discussed that with him.

Holtz was asked debate about a document he discussed with a former candidate that included a reference to dissolving school boards in the districts and possibly turning them into private voucher schools.

Holtz said that it is a “blatant lie” to say he drafted the document, but he won’t say who did.

“I am not someone who is going to take over schools, that’s the last thing I would do.” He said.

The debate marked the third joint appearance by Evers and Holtz this week and comes after a testy exchange at a forum in Milwaukee.

Evers has been attacking Holtz over his discussion with an ousted candidate in the race about an alleged job offer and takeover of the state’s largest districts. Holtz has tried to downplay his role in the discussion with former candidate John Humphries, who was defeated in the primary.

Evers is seeking a third term. Holtz is a former superintendent in Whitnall and Beloit.

The election is Tuesday.